Liver Cancer
Overview
Liver cancer, most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), arises from liver cells and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is particularly common in Asia due to the high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis.
Unlike many cancers, liver cancer often develops in an already diseased liver (cirrhosis), making early detection crucial because treatment options and cure rates depend heavily on stage at diagnosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Most liver cancers occur due to long-standing liver damage and regeneration cycles. Major causes include:
Chronic Hepatitis B infection
Chronic Hepatitis C infection
Liver cirrhosis (from any cause)
Alcohol-related liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD / NASH) linked to diabetes and obesity
Aflatoxin exposure (contaminated stored grains)
Metabolic disorders (hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease)
Among these, chronic viral hepatitis remains the most important risk factor in India.
Common Symptoms
Early liver cancer may not produce symptoms and is often detected during surveillance scans. When symptoms appear, they may include:
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Persistent upper abdominal pain (right side)
Abdominal swelling (ascites)
Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)
Fatigue and weakness
Sudden worsening of previously stable liver disease
Because symptoms appear late, screening in high-risk patients is essential.
Screening and Prevention
Liver cancer is one of the few cancers where regular surveillance significantly improves survival.
Who should undergo screening:
Patients with cirrhosis
Chronic Hepatitis B carriers
Chronic Hepatitis C patients
Long-standing fatty liver disease with fibrosis
Recommended screening:
Ultrasound abdomen every 6 months
Serum AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) blood test
Prevention strategies:
Hepatitis B vaccination
Early treatment of Hepatitis B and C
Avoid alcohol abuse
Maintain healthy weight and control diabetes
Safe food storage to prevent aflatoxin exposure
Early detection allows curative treatment in many patients.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on tumor size, number, liver function, and overall health.
Curative options:
Surgical resection (tumor removal)
Liver transplantation
Ablation (RFA / Microwave ablation) for small tumors
Locoregional therapies:
TACE (Transarterial chemoembolization)
TARE / Y-90 radioembolization
Radiation Therapy:
Modern high-precision radiotherapy such as SBRT is increasingly used for inoperable tumors.
Systemic therapy:
Targeted therapy (sorafenib, lenvatinib)
Immunotherapy combinations for advanced disease
Cutting-Edge Cancer Care by Dr. Rajesh Natte
Dr. Rajesh Natte, an experienced radiation oncologist, treats gastrointestinal malignancies including colorectal and liver cancers using advanced precision radiotherapy.
Using Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), he delivers ablative radiation doses directly to liver tumors while preserving normal liver tissue — critical in cirrhotic patients.
With 4D respiratory motion management, adaptive planning, and AI-assisted contouring, moving liver tumors can be targeted accurately despite breathing motion. This enables:
Non-invasive tumor ablation
Preservation of liver function
Reduced complications
Short treatment duration (few sessions)
Patients unsuitable for surgery can achieve excellent local control with this modern approach.
Conclusion
Liver cancer is serious but often preventable and treatable when detected early. Vaccination, regular surveillance in high-risk individuals, and timely intervention are key to improving survival.
With advanced radiotherapy technology and individualized treatment planning, Dr. Rajesh Natte provides world-class precision cancer care — helping patients fight liver and colorectal cancers safely and effectively.